Smokies in Style

An Eden on Earth awaits just 25 minutes south of Knoxville, Tennessee, at the exquisite resort known as Blackberry Farm in Walland. Make no mistake; the word "farm" is misleading. You won't find barnyards or checked tablecloths here. Nor will you find bargain lodgings at this cozy hideaway with a total of 44 rooms.

This mountain resort glows with English countryside decor. The estate rooms and cottage suites welcome warmly with antiques and bedding that threatens to swallow you and never spit you out. There are worse things.

Take advantage of as many ways as you can to enjoy the brilliant changing leaves on this 4,200-acre patch of pastoral perfection. Get some exercise on one of the six hiking trails, which connect to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails.The guide on the nature walk identifies plants and points out the statue-still deer nearby.